Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Jônt

4.9

4.9 (183)

$50 and over

French / Japanese

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

At Jônt, we are a team of young and inspired chefs taking down the walls between kitchen and guests and taking you on a culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in a progressive tasting menu focusing on the simple, yet luxurious, ingredients around the world with deep inspiration from Japanese cuisine.

We challenge the seasons, navigate beyond the limits of time and break with tradition— getting playful with process and tricky with techniques at the intersection of place and possibility.

Jônt has been recognized with two Michelin stars since 2021.

Top review

Anya

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing food and atmosphere. Didn’t mind the price at all. Good times!

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Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien

4.8

4.8 (689)

$50 and over

Vietnamese

Washington

About the restaurant

Moon Rabbit is a highly-regarded Vietnamese restaurant situated in the heart of Washington D.C., drawing inspiration from the virtuous rabbit depicted in the Buddhist Jataka tale. Led by acclaimed Chef Kevin Tien, the restaurant embodies an innovative approach to Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing a menu that is both unique and complex. Chef Tien's main objective is to pay tribute to his heritage as a first-generation Asian American, using Moon Rabbit as a platform for expressing his love for Vietnamese culture and food.

Top review

JudiVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Extraordinary experience - creative, innovative cuisine, masterfully prepared and presentation. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Jewel of a setting. The Chef's Tour of Vietnam is highly recommended, bring your appetite. perfect for all occasions.

Eatopia Eatery

4.8

4.8 (26)

$31 to $50

Ethiopian

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable.

At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)

Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”

Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.

Top review

Arun

Dined on 11 May 2025

Excellent food and welcoming service. A bit slow taking order. But overall experience was excellent!

Sagrada

4.8

4.8 (18)

$50 and over

Mexican

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

SAGRADA – A Culinary Journey of the Psychedelic Mind by James Beard-nominated KNEAD Hospitality + Design.

SAGRADA explores the transformative power of psilocybin—without its physical presence. For millennia, cultures have revered psychedelic mushrooms as sacred medicine, guiding healing, expansion, and self-discovery. Nowhere is this connection more profound than in Mexico, where these fungi are deeply woven into spiritual traditions. Creative Director & Facilitator Michael Reginbogin brings this legacy to life through Mexican cuisine, crafting each dish as a chapter in a psychedelic journey. Rooted in indigenous ingredients, ancient techniques, and modern innovation, our menu offers two paths: an eight-course plant-based menu or a flexitarian menu, primarily plant-based with select animal-sourced ingredients.

Top review

Erick

Dined on 16 May 2025

The customer service and food was outstanding! The team of servers works together beautifully and you can feel the sense of teamwork. Lidia is amazing! The way she tells the story behind each dish with her personal flair and personality was top tier.

Reverie

4.7

4.7 (48)

$50 and over

Seafood

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience that is seafood driven menu, with occasional experiences from game meats. Please allow 2.5 hours for this experience.

Our Reverie Tasting Menu is offered at $245 per guest exclusive of beverage, service charge, taxes, or gratuities. Our abridged Prelude Experience is offered at $180 per guest. Corkage is offered at $75 per 750ml. Our cake cutting fee is $50 per cake.

We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com. We are unable to provide dairy-free or fully vegetarian versions of our experience.

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined 7 days ago

My wife and I had an absolutely delicious meal and truly memorable experience at Reverie. I highly recommend coming here the food is absolutely amazing!

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4.6

4.6 (11)

$30 and under

Spanish

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

Arrels is a modern Spanish restaurant rooted in tradition and fueled by open-fire cooking led by award-winning Chef Pepe Moncayo.
At Arrels—meaning “roots” in Catalan—guests can expect modern interpretations of classic Spanish dishes, inspired by Moncayo’s Barcelona heritage. The restaurant blends tradition with open-fire cooking, offering updated tapas, crafted cocktails, and warm hospitality that appeals to locals and visitors alike.

Top review

Jose ManuelVIP

Dined on 2 May 2025

Wonderful addition to the scene of high-quality Spanish restaurants in the city. Excellent prix fixe lunch menu. The escalivada and shrimp skewers were delicious and so was the duck paella

El Taller del Xiquet

4.6

4.6 (34)

$50 and over

Spanish

Georgetown

About the restaurant

El Taller del Xiquet, or “Xiquet’s workshop,” celebrates Spanish flavors with a dedication to quality. Chef Danny crafts imaginative dishes from the finest ingredients, showcasing the vibrant cuisine of his roots. Our menu offers a seasonal selection of à la carte items and shareable plates, inviting you to explore the richness of both land and sea.

Inspired by the traditions of coastal Spain, each dish reflects a respect for local agriculture and sustainable practices. This commitment is seen in premium proteins and seasonal produce from the Valencian region, highlighting the essence of Spanish gastronomy. Delicate octopus, sweet scallops, and succulent prawns are prepared with artistry and passion, while dishes like sustainable sea bass gravlax, signature paellas, and generous fideuàs are served tableside. El Taller del Xiquet offers a culinary journey into Spain’s traditions, honoring the ingredients and techniques that have graced tables for generations.

Top review

YaseminVIP

Dined on 11 Apr 2025

From the moment we arrived, the entire experience was amazing. Chef Danny and his incredible team delivered perfection in every detail - from the flawless service and exquisite presentation to the outstanding food and wine. Everything was absolutely delicious! The staff was warm, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome. Perfection worthy of a Michelin star!

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Experience

El Taller del Xiquet

Experience

DC’s Restaurant Month at El Taller del Xiquet

NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus - Tysons Galleria

4.4

4.4 (291)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Tysons Corner / McLean

About the restaurant

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at THE NM CAFE® TYSONS CORNER GALLERIA. Muted lighting and understated, modern decor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE NM CAFE® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

AnneVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Neiman Marcus Cafe at Tyson's Galleria is stylish and comfortable. The room is quiet, which makes conversation easy. The food is very good, especially the generously proportioned salads. The menu is not long, and that simplifies making a dining choice. Service is excellent. When I am at the Tyson's Galleria, the NM Cafe is where I eat.

Fiorella Italian Kitchen

4.3

4.3 (460)

$30 and under

Italian

National Harbor

About the restaurant

Fiorella's appeal lies in our delicious food, natural warmth and effortless Italian charm. During spring and summer, the outdoor dining area creates a delightful al fresco experience; in the winter, the restaurant is a cozy retreat. And all year long we have wonderful views of the Potomac!

Top review

Constantin

Dined on 6 May 2025

Excellent Italian casual dinning experience. Pizza was quite nice.

Canopy Central Café & Bar

3.7

3.7 (713)

$31 to $50

American

Southwest Waterfront

About the restaurant

Enjoy Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner with a beautiful view of the Wharf. Located above Hanks and Boardwalk Inside the Canopy by Hilton Hotel